Airport security lines have gotten a little out of control. It’s gotten to the point where you just need to plan for the worst regarding arriving to the airport on time. I can think of countless times when I have been stressed and possibly even missed my flight due to the fact that the security line has been out the door.

But hooray there is a solution! A company called provides customers, for a yearly fee, a high tech card that lets you skip ahead in pre-desginated security lines. Think of it as a Disneyland fast pass for the airports. This could save some serious time for frequent flyers.

Right now the company is operating in twenty airports and is continually adding more. Airports include: Albany, Atlanta, Cincinnati, DC Dulles, DC Reagan, Denver, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Little Rock, Los Angeles, New York JFK, New York LGA, Newark, Oakland, Orlando, Reno, Salt Lake City,San Francisco ,San José, Westchester. I am not going to lie, a little disappointed not to see Chicago, but otherwise most major airports notorious for thier crowded lines are listed. And only $128 a year? That’s cheap. Plus, it’s even registered at some sports stadiums to get you into the games faster.

I can’t believe that it has been seven years since the attacks of 9-11. So much has changed since then. We all have our stories of where we were, who we knew and how we felt. I was a junior in high school and I remember watching the second plane on live TV in my Honors History Class. We all watched in horror and wondered in fear why is this happening? Who is doing this? But again and most importantly Why! But we also watched a nation pick up the pieces and come together as one. Never had I seen so many American Flags or neighbors who were once arguing stand side by side. Reflecting back on the tragedy it’s events like these that remind us of who we are and what we stand for. I remember standing in class the next day quoting the pledge as we had everyday- but this time it meant something. Everyone stood and most were emotional, but at the same time it was beautiful. I challenge you to remember those feelings today, the same you felt seven years ago as we watched our nation be challenged to fall but resisted and instead became stronger in the face of adversity.

My friend Dan made the long trek to Wyoming over Labor Day Weekend to the Mountain Man Rendezvous and even lived to tell about it. Check out his blog post. I honestly laughed out loud at work while reading it. I’m sure people think I am out of my mind.

This morning I noticed an article on the drudge report that Jet Blue Airlines was auctioning off flights and vacation packages on eBay. Flights to Las Vegas, New York, the Bahamas and a few other choice locations. Even some mystery vacation packages to those brave bidders. The question you must be asking yourself, just as I asked myself this morning,  is Jet Blue hurting that much that they are selling seats  on their flights on eBay? After some deep reflection I came to the conclusion that the answer to that question is yes and no. Obviously they are looking for ways to sell a few seats on their flights but what I really think they are trying to do is some ultra savvy internet public relations. They are bringing positive attention to their brand while educating consumers to what they have to offer. In the meantime they are basking in the glow of their viral announcement which made the front page of the drudge report and no doubtedly many other news sites while all at the same time you have bloggers like me writing about it causing even more attention to their eBay auctions. Smart move? I would say definitely, in this case it benefits all parties, Jet Blue gets some amazing marketing and public relations while consumers are offered discounts on last minute trips. Happy Bidding!

In order to celebrate the fact that Blog World is only 16 days away (I can’t wait), I decided to give some tips to travelers, who might be traveling to Las Vegas, for Blog World or otherwise. Las Vegas, Nevada is a place that I would feel comfortable saying I am pretty knowledgeable about. My family lives in Las Vegas so I visit there more than anywhere else. I also lived there for a semester while in college.

It used to be Las Vegas was about 25 cent shrimp cocktails and going there with a pocket full of quarters in hopes that you would double or even triple your investment. Those days are long gone and now are the days of luxury, high rollers, lush, and anything else sinful by nature. However, this is not always true either. Las Vegas has done a rather good job at marketing themselves as a family city. Casinos offer roller coasters, movie theaters, food courts, and arcades to keep the kids at bay so the parents can gamble. Las Vegas is truly a city where anyone can find something to do and be happy.

Even the penny pinchers (i.e. me) can find solace. There is even a load of free stuff offered on and off the strip in Las Vegas. Some of my favorites are:

On the Strip:
The Bellagio Atrium: I love the atrium and it changes for each season and holiday, so it is something you can visit every time you go and it will always be different. It’s a family favorite.

MGM Grand Lions Habitat: In the middle of the casino there is a special habitat made and maintained just for lions! Usually during the day there are about two adult lions. They also have a lion expert there to talk to you about the lions, their likes and dislikes, and some educational facts. It’s really actually cool. And in the morning you can go and they have baby cubs you can get your picture taken with (not free).

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